It was widely reported at the time the Belgium international completed a £75million move to Old Trafford that he had asked the big Swede's permission, before it was then announced that he would take his shirt number.

Ibrahimovic was United's number 9 last season, but his contract had expired when Lukaku had signed, and his injury cast doubts over his future at the club.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic wore the number 9 shirt last season (Image: Manchester United)

Jose Mourinho later offered Ibrahimovic a new contract and he subsequently took the vacant number 10 shirt in place of the 9, now worn by Lukaku.

But the conversation between the pair was never made public until the Belgian, who has netted six times for United so far this season, opened up about the pre-season chat, and even admitted that he was a little worried about having to ask for permission.

Lukaku scored Man United's second in their 3-0 win over Basel (Image: Getty)

"Yeah I did [call him about his shirt number] I didn't want to tell him I wanted the number 9," explained the former Everton forward.

"But I called Zlatan and asked him and he said that I could take the number 9 and he would take the number 10.

Ibrahimovic injured his knee playing in the Europa League last season (Image: Getty Images)

"But I said to him I'm looking forward to you coming back because I know that you don't want to stop like this."

Ibrahimovic has yet to return for Manchester United this year, but netted 17 times for them as they finished sixth in the Premier League last season.

The Belgium international admitted he was nervous to call the 35-year-old (Image: Getty)

Mourinho knew he had to replace the 35-year-old ahead of the new campaign, given the fact United were so reliant on his goals.

And it seems achieved exactly this by signing Lukaku, who is currently the most prolific striker in the English top flight.

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